Votrient (pazopanib) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of cancer. The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
Votrient is used in adults to treat:
- advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This is the most common type of kidney cancer. Advanced cancer means it’s spread from where it started to other areas of the body.
- advanced soft tissue sarcoma. This is a type of cancer that affects your soft tissues or bones. For this type of cancer, Votrient is used in people who have tried chemotherapy.
The active ingredient in Votrient is pazopanib. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Votrient belongs to a group of drugs called kinase inhibitors.
This article describes the dosage of Votrient, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Votrient, see this in-depth article.
Note: According to the manufacturer of Votrient, it’s not known whether the drug is effective for treating adipocytic sarcoma (cancer of the fat tissue) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
This section describes the usual dosages of Votrient. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Votrient’s form?
Votrient is available as an oral tablet you swallow.
What strength does Votrient come in?
Votrient comes in one strength of 200 milligrams (mg).
It is not available in any other strengths, such as 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Votrient?
Your doctor will start you on the recommended dosage of Votrient that will provide the desired effect.
The information below describes the dosage that’s commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Votrient is used in adults to treat advanced RCC. The dose in RCC is 800 mg (four 200-mg tablets) taken once per day.
If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor to learn more.
Dosage for soft tissue sarcoma
Votrient is used in adults with advanced soft tissue sarcoma. Votrient’s typical dosage is 800 mg (four 200-mg tablets) taken once per day.
If you have questions about your dosage of Votrient, talk with your doctor to learn more.
How to take
Votrient comes as oral tablets that you swallow. You should take them without food. Votrient can be taken either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Do not cut, crush, or chew Votrient tablets. Swallow them whole.
Is Votrient used long term?
Yes, Votrient is usually used as a long-term treatment. Your doctor will discuss how long you can take Votrient based on factors such as your response to treatment and how you tolerate the medication. If you and your doctor decide it’s safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take Votrient long term.
Dosage adjustment
In some cases you may need dosage adjustments for Votrient. For example, if you have liver problems, your doctor will likely adjust your starting dosage and monitor your liver function during Votrient treatment. If you have moderate liver problems, your doctor will likely lower your dosage. They’ll also closely monitor your liver function during treatment. They may stop treatment if needed.
In other cases, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Votrient if you have certain side effects from the medication.
Your doctor may also adjust your dose of Votrient if you’re taking certain other medications that interact with Votrient. For example, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and ritonavir (Norvir), work by blocking the CYP3A4 enzyme. (CYP3A4 is the enzyme your body uses to break down Votrient.) This can increase the amount of Votrient in your body and raise your risk for side effects. Your doctor will likely lower your Votrient dose if you take one of these medications.
If you have questions about dosage adjustments you may need, talk with your doctor.
Do not take more Votrient than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- severe tiredness
- high blood pressure
What to do in case you take too much Votrient
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Votrient. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.